Deleting Vista, installing XP?

Question

I'm hearing all types of problems caused by Vista as it relates to drivers, remote networking and gaming.  I'm considering buying a 410 XPS with a two 250 Gig HDs in a raid configuration.  Can I configure a raid to boot to XP and leave Vista dormant until they fix it?  I've read some discussions that suggest deleting or putting Vista as secondary is nearly impossible.   Thank you

penguinspenguin · Answer

It's the big 'OS' partition, the biggest one there. If you don't know how to delete, you probably aren't entirely aware of the consequences either, and I'm not getting myself into any trouble.

shteach · Answer

how do you delete the primary partition?

penguinspenguin · Answer

You can always delete the Vista primary partition and leave the backup partition there so whenever you feel like you're ready for Vista, it'll only take 10 mins. XP should work fine, but the usual disclaimers apply vis-a-vis custom configurations.

belleg01 · Answer

I did this myself i reformated the OS partition installed xp (left the other partitions including the recovery part alone) and then i found out my wifi card does not have xp support only vista and now i have no idea how to restore it back to the recoivery image i have tried the ctrl f11 and had no success

penguinspenguin · Answer

Here you go belleg: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&l=en&s=gen&docid=298A2E89689E13C2E040A68F5B280AA4&cs=   That'll get the computer back to exactly the way it was out of the box in about 10 mins. Let us know.

Cornish Jack · Answer

Dimension C521, recent purchase for a friend. Foolishly, assumed that a modem would be standard equipment - not so. Unable to find an external dial-up which Vista can work with. Tried to set up a dual-boot system with XP Prof but Vista won't allow it. Tried to delete the Vista partition using a Linux boot cd but, again, Vista won't allow access. Would appreciate info on any DEFINITELY Vista compatible external dial-up modems OR how to delete Vista so as to allow an XP only system. TIA

penguinspenguin · Answer

You can delete the Vista partition using any XP CD or Vista disk. If this does not work, what error message do you get?   When dualbooting between two OSes, you'll need 2 partitions, and you have to install the older OS first, the newer one last, or it won't work. There is plenty of information on how to setup a dualboot on google. I have no special insight to offer that isn't already posted.   Do you require an external modem? Why not an internal modem, I know there are most definitely Vista compatible internal ones, and they are much cheaper. Calling up sales would probably help.

barkingpumpkin · Answer

http://apcmag.com/5485/dualbooting_vista_and_xp   Heres an option

E_Cereal · Answer

I would also like to install XP in a dual-boot config with Vista. Vista came preinstalled on my new XPS-410 but not working so great. Problem I'm having is that my XP boot disk gives me a BSOD. I think it has to do with RAID drivers as discussed on another thread. I don't have a floppy on new 410 to load alternate RAID drivers for XP. So, I'm thinking of reformatting HDD somehow without RAID-on to install XP on a partition, Vista on another partition but would also like to save recovery partition from Dell. Anyone have advice on best way to start this project?

penguinspenguin · Answer

That BSOD has nothing to do with Vista - Vista isn't even loaded at that point. The BSOD most likely has to do with your RAID/SATA operation. Change those settings (I forget what the correct setting is), and that'll fix it.

Cornish Jack · Answer

Thank you PenguinsPenguins et al. The sticking point with the XP install is when it comes to 'starting Windows'. It produces the BSOD and won't allow any further progress. I've used Disk Manager to split the HD to give me a separate partition for XP but can't get any further. As regards fitting an internal modem, I'm trying to avoid opening the case for warranty reasons. It's not my machine and I'd prefer to leave it untouched for the warranty period. The Easy Boot CD looks as if it might do the job but the 'walk through' instructions don't match the screen indications that I'm getting. Frankly, I'd be quite happy to dump Vista altogether and go with XP - at least I could be reasonably certain to find drivers. I just need some method of reformatting the HD , something that Vista won't allow, at the moment.

belleg01 · Answer

Thanks the link worked perfectly!!

Windows General

Deleting Vista, installing XP?

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